Council car parks in Castle Point get the DPA and Park Mark

The award recognises the car parks’ suitability for disabled drivers including the size of the parking bays, ease of access and safe zones for wheelchair users to enter and exit their vehicle.

They also all achieved the British Parking Association’s Park Mark award, as well as the car parks in School Lane and Essex Way in Benfleet.

The Park Mark award recognises that the car parks are among the safest in the country ensuring a safe environment and high standard of cleanliness, signage, surveillance and lighting.

Councillor Tom Skipp, cabinet member for environment and leisure, said: “I am delighted we have met the standards to achieve the Disabled Parking Accreditation for our council’s car parks.

"We are committed to providing high quality parking facilities for our disabled residents and visitors and I am always impressed to see the continuous improvements being made for the benefit of all our customers, a result of the continued commitment and investment by Castle Point Borough Council.”

“I am so pleased that once again that we have been recognised for our provision of safer car parks with the Park Mark Awards. Residents and visitors to the borough want to feel they and their vehicles are safe when using our car parks."